Sisk has been confirmed as a main sponsor of WorldSkills Ireland 2026, with construction finalists from across the country set to compete when the event returns to RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, from Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 September.

Among the competitors, Sisk carpentry and joinery apprentice Cathal O'Regan will take part in the Joinery competition for a second successive year. Fellow Sisk apprentice Darragh Brett will represent Ireland in Joinery at WorldSkills in Shanghai from 22–27 September.

More than 160 students and apprentices will vie for honours in 31 live National Skills competitions, including 49 finalists across nine construction disciplines.

The construction categories comprise Architectural Stonemasonry, Bricklaying, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering and Drywall Systems, and Plumbing and Heating.

Working under timed competition conditions, participants will undertake industry-standard tasks designed to assess practical ability, knowledge and technical precision, mirroring the expectations of Ireland's modern workforce.

Organisers expect over 30,000 visitors and more than 300 schools to attend across the three days, featuring live contests, hands-on experiences and guidance on education, training and career options.

Alongside the competitions, visitors can try interactive 'Try a Skill' activities, watch industry demonstrations, meet employers and sector leaders, and explore apprenticeships, Further Education and Training and other skills-focused routes. The showcase will also feature emerging technologies, including AI, virtual reality learning, sustainable solutions and broader industry innovation.

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A collaboration between Government, Education and Industry, WorldSkills Ireland spotlights the breadth of opportunities available through apprenticeships and skills-based careers. In addition to Construction, it highlights pathways spanning Creative Arts, Information and Communication Technology, Automotive, Hospitality & Tourism, and Manufacturing & Engineering.

The event aims to help young people make informed choices after secondary school, challenge outdated perceptions of apprenticeships and technical roles, and underline the crucial contribution of skilled professionals to Ireland's economy.

Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said: "Skills and apprenticeships are fundamental to Ireland's future. They support our economy, strengthen industries and create real opportunities for people across the country. WorldSkills Ireland brings that message to life by showing young people the value of practical learning and the rewarding careers it can lead to.

"The event also has an important role to play in changing perceptions. Apprenticeships and technical careers are ambitious pathways that require real ability and can lead to long-term success. By seeing competitors perform at a national level, students can better understand the standards involved and the opportunities open to them."

Winifred Ryan, Learning and Development Manager at Sisk adds: "WorldSkills Ireland gives young people the chance to experience construction careers up close, understand the opportunities available across the sector and see the skill and technical expertise involved. At Sisk, we know how important it is to attract and develop the next generation of skilled professionals, particularly as the sector continues to evolve. We are proud to support the Construction category and to help highlight the breadth of rewarding careers and progression opportunities across the industry."

WorldSkills Ireland will again run alongside The Irish Times Higher Options, enabling students to explore university, apprenticeships, Further Education and Training, tertiary programmes and skills-focused careers in a single visit to the RDS.

The event is supported by industry partners Sisk, the Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus; sector sponsors Symetri, Fáilte Ireland and SIMI (Society of the Irish Motoring Industry); feature sponsors MTU, Chadwicks, Irish Rail, Cairn and Kerry College; plus 28 additional competition sponsors. It is also backed by education partner the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, alongside the Government of Ireland and SOLAS.

Sisk is the overall sponsor of the Construction category and also supports the Carpentry and Joinery competitions. Additional competition and demonstration sponsors include OPW for Architectural Stonemasonry; Jones Engineering for Electrical Installation and for Plumbing and Heating; Crown Paints for Painting & Decorating; Saint-Gobain for Plastering and Drywall Systems; and Teagasc for the Horticulture & Landscaping demonstration.

WorldSkills Ireland 2026 takes place from Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 September at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin. Admission is free.

For further details and to register, visit www.worldskillsireland.ie.